Bsun Cliff vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch can significantly impact your typing experience. The Bsun Cliff is celebrated for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy tactile feedback and auditory confirmation of their keystrokes, which can enhance the typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai stands out with its deep and rounded sound profile, coupled with an incredibly light actuation force that caters to typists who prefer a gentle and effortless keystroke. The Cliff appeals to those who crave feedback and a bit of auditory engagement, while the Yunhai serves well for users favoring smooth and nearly silent operation for prolonged typing sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your unique needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Cliff and the TTC Yunhai switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly affects their overall sound profiles and aesthetics. The Cliff features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound when typing. This characteristic is particularly advantageous for users who appreciate a crisper auditory feedback, especially when RGB lighting is incorporated due to the material's translucency. In contrast, the Yunhai's top housing is made from nylon, a softer plastic that absorbs sound more effectively and leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile. This results in a rounder auditory experience, appealing to users who prefer a more subdued and warmer sound. Therefore, the interaction of these materials with typing dynamics sets the tone for different user experiences, with the Cliff catering to those who prefer high-pitched clearness and the Yunhai appealing to those who favor deeper tones.
When analyzing the bottom housings, the situation changes as both the Cliff and Yunhai use nylon. This identical material choice leads to a similar auditory experience when it comes to the bottoming-out sound and feel, as nylon is known to absorb sound rather than amplify it. Thus, the depth and fullness associated with the bottom housing in both switches create a uniformity in tactile feedback and acoustics during typing. Since both switches share the same material for their bottom housing, users will likely experience similar sound qualities upon bottoming out, regardless of the difference in the top housing materials.
Ultimately, the contrast between the polycarbonate top housing of the Cliff and the nylon top housing of the Yunhai results in distinctively different experiences when typing. The Cliff’s sharper and crisper sound prevails as you release the key, while the Yunhai maintains a rounder, more subdued auditory response. Both switches' bottom housings unify the sound profile during key presses, but it’s the top housing that delineates the overall character of each switch's typing experience. Users seeking a more defined sound might gravitate towards the Cliff, while those desiring a softer acoustic backdrop may find comfort in the Yunhai’s construction. Hence, while both switches can produce satisfying auditory feedback, their varied materials lead to diverse experiences that cater to a range of user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, though there are notable differences in their specifications. The Cliff switch has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option between the two. In contrast, the Yunhai switch features a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that typists who favor a lighter switch for extended typing sessions would benefit more from the Cliff switch, while those who prefer a more substantial feel under their fingers may lean towards the Yunhai switch. Thus, while both switches offer a light typing experience, the Cliff provides an overall softer touch compared to the slightly firmer response of the Yunhai.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch both have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that when pressing down on either switch, users will experience the same depth of key travel. This equivalence in travel distance indicates that both switches can deliver a similar tactile feedback and actuation feeling, making them comparable options for those who prioritize consistent key travel. Since they are equal in this aspect, users can expect a comparable experience regarding how far the switch moves from top to bottom when engaged.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Cliff has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cliff for $2.19.
The TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch produces a crisp sound signature, giving it a noticeable auditory feedback during use. This can be appealing to users who enjoy clear responses while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai linear switch has a deep, rounded sound profile, which provides a softer auditory experience. The contrast between the Cliff's crispness and the Yunhai's deep tones showcases how different switch design philosophies can cater to disparate sound preferences. However, it’s important to note that the final sound experienced can vary significantly depending on the choice of keyboard and keycap materials.
In terms of feel, the Cliff switch is known for its medium tactility, providing a satisfying bump that adds a tactile indication of actuation. This quality can give typists a sense of precision and feedback while they type. Conversely, the TTC Yunhai linear switch features a notably light actuation force, resulting in an effortless typing experience. This makes the Yunhai ideal for those who favor a smooth, uninterrupted motion without any tactile feedback. The differing feels between these two switches cater to contrasting typing styles: one for those who appreciate tactile feedback and the other for those seeking minimal resistance.
In conclusion, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch each offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Cliff provides a crisp, medium tactile feel, perfect for those who enjoy a more engaged typing experience. In contrast, the Yunhai presents a softer sound and an incredibly light actuation force, catering to typists who prefer a fluent typing style without tactile interruptions. Both switches serve different user preferences, and selecting between them ultimately depends on whether you prioritize sound clarity and tactile feedback or a gentle, seamless typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, your personal preferences and typing style will play a crucial role. If you enjoy a tactile response that provides a satisfying bump along with a crisp sound signature, you might find the Cliff to be the better fit. Its lighter actuation force of 45 grams makes it ideal for both casual typing and gaming, where speed and feedback are essential. On the other hand, if you prefer an ultra-smooth typing experience where you can glide through keys with minimal resistance, the TTC Yunhai's 50 grams of bottom-out force, paired with its profound and rounded sound profile, will likely appeal to you. The Yunhai’s gentle actuation encourages a fluid typing experience that can reduce finger fatigue during extended use. Ultimately, consider whether you lean more towards a tactile feedback sensation or a linear, effortless stroke to guide your final choice.
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